Vocabulary Flashcards: Engagement, the Constitution, and American Federalism

Vocabulary flashcards covering key terms and concepts from Engagement in a Democracy, The Constitution and Its Origins, and American Federalism.

common goods

Goods that all people may use but that are of limited supply.

democracy

A form of government in which political power rests in the hands of the people.

direct democracy

A form of government in which people participate directly in making government decisions rather than electing representatives.

elite theory

The belief that political power rests in the hands of a small, elite group.

government

The means by which a society organizes itself and allocates authority to accomplish collective goals.

ideology

The beliefs and ideals that help shape political opinion and policy.

intense preferences

Beliefs and preferences based on strong feelings about an issue that are held over time.

latent preferences

Beliefs and preferences that people are not deeply committed to and that can change over time.

majority rule

A fundamental principle of democracy where the majority determines decisions.

minority rights

Protections for those who are not part of the majority.

monarchy

A form of government where one ruler, usually hereditary, holds political power.

oligarchy

A form of government in which a small number of elites hold political power.

partisanship

Strong support or allegiance to a political party.

pluralist theory

The idea that political power rests in the hands of groups representing different interests.

political power

Influence over a government’s institutions, leadership, or policies.

politics

The process by which resources are allocated and policies pursued.

private goods

Goods provided by private businesses usable only by those who pay.

public goods

Goods provided by government and available to all without charge.

representative democracy

A form of government where voters elect representatives to make decisions for all.

social capital

Connections with others and willingness to interact and help others.

toll good

A good that is available to many but used only by those who pay.

totalitarianism

A form of government in which the state is all-powerful and citizens have few or no rights.

federalism

Division of power between national and state governments.

elastic clause (necessary and proper clause)

A clause allowing Congress to make laws needed to carry out enumerated powers.

enumerated powers

Powers explicitly granted to the federal government in the Constitution.

reserved powers

Powers not delegated to the federal government are reserved for the states.

concurrent powers

Powers shared by both federal and state governments.

supremacy clause

Constitutional clause stating that federal law is the supreme law of the land.

checks and balances

A system in which each branch can limit the powers of the others.

separation of powers

Dividing government into three branches (legislative, executive, judicial) with distinct powers.

Great Compromise

The agreement creating a bicameral Congress: Senate (two per state) and House (population-based).